Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Demonstrator of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing- Fayoum University, Egypt
2
Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing- Fayoum University, Egypt
3
Assistant Professor of Community and Geriatric Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Fayoum University, Egypt
4
Assistant Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Fayoum University, Egypt
10.21608/tsnj.2025.434613
Abstract
Background: Sewage workers are vital to public health; they are often subject to
occupational hazards and work-related emergencies, which pose risks to their safety.
Effective first aid in such instances is dependent on workers' health literacy and ability to
respond promptly. Aim: This study aimed to assess health awareness and practices of
sewage workers regarding first aid in work-related emergencies. Research design: A cross-
sectional descriptive research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at four
sewage stations, Elmadina, Qahafa, Dala, and Lotf Allah, all are affiliated to Fayoum
Drinking Water and Sanitation Company. Sample: A stratified sample was used, and 215
workers were recruited Tools: Two tools were used. Tool I: An interviewing questionnaire
consisted of four parts (socio-demographic and occupational characteristics of sewage
workers, healthcare services, availability and use of personal protective equipment, the
reported incidence of workplace injury and illness, and medical history) and sewage
workers' knowledge about the occupational health hazards. Tool II: self-reported practice
checklist to assess preventive measures and first aid practices in work-related medical
emergencies. Results: The study results revealed that the majority (89.3%) of workers were
exposed to workplace injuries, and nearly about two thirds (65.1%) of them had
unsatisfactory level of knowledge about occupational health hazards, preventive measures,
and first aid in work-related medical emergencies, only about one third (33%) of studied
sewage workers had an adequate level of practice. There is a strong positive correlation with
highly statistically significant between total knowledge and total reported practice scores.
Conclusion: sewage workers had low knowledge and unsatisfactory practices regarding
first aid in work-related emergencies, a high incidence of workplace injuries was observed.
Recommendation: Targeted training programs in occupational health and first aid to
protect workers from work-related medical emergencies.
)
View on SCiNiTO